Incorrect procedures for donning or doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) can cause exposure to hazardous materials and contamination of food or other critical areas, leading to serious health ramifications.

Product Development Manager of ProChoice Safety Gear, Brad Rodgers said that the key concern is creating a barrier between wearers’ skin and contaminants, pathogens or other hazardous materials, and that workers must be given the necessary tools and training.

“A PCBU has a requirement to ensure staff are trained in the effective and safe selection, use, maintenance and disposal of PPE,” Rodgers said.

He described medical and food services, manufacturing, and cleanroom industries as those where donning and doffing procedures are most important and said that while both are important, the process of doffing (removing) PPE is more critical than the process of donning (putting on).

Speaking of the order in which PPE should be removed, Rodgers said it depends on what items of PPE are exposed or affected, but generally it will be gloves and coveralls (being careful not to touch affected areas), goggles/safety glasses then respiratory protective equipment.

Immediately after donning or removing PPE, the hands should be washed using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, he said.

If the PPE is single use, Rodgers said it should be disposed of. If it has been used to handle chemicals, the PPE should be disposed of in accordance with the chemical manufacturer’s recommendations.

“If it is re-usable PPE, it should be cleaned and disinfected and then stored in a cool dry place where it can be accessed and re-used again,” Rodgers said.

Incorrect doffing procedures can lead to hazardous materials exposure (touching the outside of the glove) and also contamination of critical areas (doffing the glove whilst still in contact or near clean areas), Rodgers added.

“This can have serious health ramifications,” he said.

The process for donning PPE is also important, however not as critical as the process for doffing, according to Rodgers. He said gloves should be put on last, after donning coveralls, respiratory protective equipment, goggles and other PPE.

Donning PPE should also generally occur in a separate room or facility before a worker is exposed to the task environment, according to Rodgers.

Further details of the PPE donning and doffing procedures are outlined below: